Iran sanctions make it hard to donate after devastating quake. Here's how you can help.

Quake leaves trail of death and destruction in Iraq
Video provided by AFP
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A boy rides a bicycle through the rubble past damaged buildings in the town of Sarpol-e Zahab in Iran's western Kermanshah province near the border with Iraq following a 7.3-magnitude earthquake that left hundreds killed and thousands homeless two days before.(Photo: ATTA KENARE, AFP/Getty Images)

But sending aid to Iran from the U.S. is not as straightforward as you might think. That's because a number of the U.S. sanctions against Iran remain in place.

But a few organizations have been given special licenses to operate in Iran and take dollars from Americans. If you'd like to donate, the National Iranian American Council suggests these organizations for helping victims of the earthquake, and has provided answers to a few frequently asked questions on their website.

Moms Against Poverty: A small, Burlingame, California-based charity that has set up a special campaign for victims of the Iran quake.

Child Foundation: Based in Portland, this organization received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and directs its aid toward children, often providing recurring aid to children in need.

Children of Persia: Another small charity, based in Montgomery Village, Maryland, Children of Persia has an exclusive focus on Iran.

Relief International: Based in Los Angeles, this small charity has done previous work in Africa and South Asia.